Minimum Wage: NLC Declares Strike in Zamfara, FCT, 13 Other States

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced an indefinite strike in Oyo, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and 13 other states, starting Monday, December 2, 2024. This industrial action follows the affected states’ failure to implement the revised national minimum wage, despite a nationwide agreement.

The decision was first resolved by the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) in Port Harcourt on November 8 and later reaffirmed by the Central Working Committee (CWC) in Kano on November 27, 2024. The primary objective of the strike is to compel state governments to comply with the new wage structure.

The states affected by the directive include:
Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Enugu, FCT, Imo, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Oyo, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara.

Reports indicate that workers in these states are still receiving salaries based on the outdated wage structure, with no definitive timelines or agreements for transitioning to the updated pay scale.

In a statement signed by NLC General Secretary Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, the Congress expressed deep disappointment over the non-compliance. The statement emphasized:
“Failure to commence implementation by the end of November 2024 leaves us no option but to enforce industrial action as directed by NEC and CWC. We will hold state leadership accountable for this breach.”

The NLC issued a stern warning to state leaders, stressing that failure to adhere to the new wage structure would result in serious consequences. “Non-compliance will attract dire consequences,” the statement added, highlighting the Congress’s commitment to enforcing fair labor practices. State chapters have also been directed to report progress or any new developments to the national leadership.

This impending strike is expected to disrupt critical sectors across the affected states, escalating tensions between state governments and labor unions. The NLC’s decision underscores its determination to ensure Nigerian workers receive fair compensation under the 2024 minimum wage agreement.